Integrated Pest Management
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A Better Way to Manage Pests
A site-specific combination of pest prevention, avoidance, monitoring, and suppression strategies are used only if pests reach threatening levels.
Description
Crops are scouted to determine the type of pests (insects, weeds or diseases), stage of development, and extent of the problem. The potential damage from the pest is then weighted against the cost of control. All alternatives are evaluated based on cost, results, and environmental impact. Precautions are taken to keep pesticides from leaving the field by leaching, runoff, or drift.
Benefits
- Scouting and spot treatment for pests that threaten crop health or yields can save money.
- Using less pesticides protects water-quality.
- Treatment for specific pests on targeted areas prevents over-use of pesticides.
Planning
- Which soils are likely to leach pesticides?
- Have vegetative buffers been established?
- Have pest control alternatives been considered?
- Have crop records and controls been reviewed?
- Have crops been rotated to reduce pest problems?
Tech Notes
- Complete a pesticide risk assessment.
- Scout to identify pests.
- A Private Pesticide Applicator Certificate is required before purchasing or applying a restricted use pesticide.
- Use the lowest effective application rate to treat the problem.
- Rotate pesticides to reduce pest resistance.
- Use spot treatment when possible.
Maintenance
- Keep accurate records.
- Calibrate application equipment.
- Inspect equipment for wear and damage.
- Follow all label directions when applying pesticides.
- Mix the load pesticides in an area that will not contaminate soil or water.
- Apply pesticides during periods of minimal potential for drift or runoff.
- Dispose of pesticide containers and bags according to label directions.